The Albany Northern League

Bennett, who celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this week, made his debut for City in their win over Ashington last Saturday.

"Gary made a big difference," said Honour. "He's got plenty of experience, and he was a good influence on the rest of the lads.

"I used him in two positions during the game - in midfield and in defence - and he did well in both."

City are at Raunds, near Rushden in Northamptonshire, tomorrow in the Vase, and Honour said: "We're expecting a tough game. They're a bit like Brandon in our league, with players who work very hard for each other and play some good football."

Bedlington have released "bad boy" striker Paul Symons.

Symons was dismissed for a foul near the end of Bedlington's 2-2 draw at West Auckland last month, and the decision was taken to release him shortly after.

"We can't accept conduct like that," said joint manager Tony Lowery, "especially with some big games coming up." Bedlington had two more players dismissed in that game for dissent, and Lowery said: "The players must learn that if they swear, then the referees have been told that they must be sent off."

Meanwhile, Bedlington are at home to Bridgnorth tomorrow in the Vase. Bridgnorth, who play in the Midland Alliance, have been hit by a manager crisis, as previous boss Steve Daley, the former Wolves and Manchester City player, has gone to Bilston, taking several of the squad with him.

Shildon manager Ray Gowan is looking for a good December from his team.

Shildon, who top the Second Division, could only draw 0-0 against Alnwick last Saturday, but now Gowan has his sights set on a maximum return this month.

"We've got three of the other teams who are chasing promotion to play this month - Easington, Prudhoe and Esh Winning," he said. "If we do well, then we'll have a pretty good idea of where we're going when the New Year comes along."

Shildon's draw with Alnwick was the first time they've drawn a game this season.

Thornaby gave three new players their debuts against Tow Law last weekend.

Thornaby signed James Chapman from Billingham Town, Mark Wheldon from West Auckland and Phil Ross from Gateshead, and all three were doing well against Tow Law, helping them to a 3-1 lead, when the floodlights failed!

Brandon manager Kenny Lindoe is hoping his club's injury crisis is nearly over - so then he doesn't have to go on the bench again.

Lindoe, whose playing days ended several years ago, has been substitute twice in Brandon's recent games.

"When we played Thornaby three weeks ago, because of all the injuries I had to name myself as third sub," he said.

"But when we played Dunston in the League Cup, I had to promote myself to second sub. I even sent on another player who wasn't fit, instead of me."

The injury crisis seems to be easing now, as striker Andrew Burton has returned to training after a recovering from a broken leg. Meanwhile, it looks as if they'll be losing full back Anthony McStea. The youngster has already had one trial at First Division Wolves, and has been invited back to spend a further month at Molineux.

Shildon, the last remaining Second Division team in the Albany Northern League Cup, have been drawn away to Jarrow Roofing in the quarter finals of the competition, which will probably be played in January.

The draw is: Jarrow Roofing v Shildon, Tow Law v Ashington, Durham City v Dunston, Whitley Bay or Billingham Town v Peterlee.

The previous round's tie between Whitley Bay and Billingham Town, which was postponed last week, has been re-arranged for Tuesday December 18th.

Crook Town had to wait a while for former Newcastle and Tottenham centre half Kevin Scott to make his debut - but it was worth the wait.

Scott, who had to quit playing professional football because of a knee injury, was signed by Crook two months ago, but it was only last Saturday when he pronounced himself fit enough to play for the club.

He played in the centre of defence against Murton, and scored one of the goals in the 4-0 win.

Billingham Town manager Alan Robinson last week signed striker George Woodhouse - for the fourth time.

Manager and player have followed each other around Teesside, and Robinson signed Woodhouse again last week for Town.

"I've signed George four times now - twice when I was at Thornaby, and twice now for Billingham Town.

"He's got plenty of experience and has the knack of scoring goals.

"When he clicks, then he's very difficult to stop."

And so it proved, because Woodhouse scored one of the goals in Town's 3-1 home win over Marske United last Saturday.

Willington's player from the Cameroons, Michel Boumsong, certainly felt the chill of the English winter last week.

Boumsong, signed in the summer by the club, went back to Cameroons to visit his family for three weeks, but certainly had the shivers when he returned to the north east.

Willington secretary Bob Nichol said: "He was well wrapped up when he turned up for training. He told me that it was 35 degrees celsius in the Cameroons - and 35 degrees fahrenheit in Willington."

Consett manager Colin Carr is delighted to have brought striker Tony Halliday back to Belle Vue.

Halliday left Consett for Second Division Esh Winning during the summer, but he made his return debut for Consett against Billingham Town last week.

"Tony couldn't settle at Esh, and he thought that he'd made a mistake leaving," said Carr.

"It's great to have him back, because we've missed his ability and experience. He scored a lot of goals for us last season."

Carr is hoping that his team will now avoid injuries. "There have been times this season when we've had eight or nine players out at a time. Hopefully now if we can hit an injury free spell, then we can start climbing the table.

"There isn't much of a gap now between us and the other teams above us." Dunston are hoping that they've turned the corner, and can launch a meaningful title challenge.

Dunston had a slow start to the season, but a 5-0 home win over Seaham Red Star last Saturday put them into second place in the table.

Assistant manager Perry Briggs said: "We are playing a lot better than we did a couple of months ago," he said.

"New faces, such as Steve Mason, have come into the club, and that has brought competition for places.

"We're six points behind Bedlington, and we've still got them to play."